Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF) sustain nearly 500 million people worldwide, providing food, income, and livelihoods, with women making up a vital part of this sector. RISE UP prioritises equitable governance and preferential access rights for SSF within territorial waters and through the SSF Cluster, drives and supports campaigns that protect rights, strengthen community-led governance, and promote food security in line with the Blue Call to Action.

Adopted in June 2023 after nearly 20 years of negotiations, the High Seas Treaty establishes a global framework to conserve marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. RISE UP is campaigning for at least 60 country ratifications by the UN General Assembly in September 2025 so the Treaty enters into force by its 20 September deadline. This landmark agreement underpins effective ocean governance, the creation of a global MPA network, and achieving the goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.

The deep sea covers 90% of Earth’s biosphere, sustaining unique life, regulating climate, and safeguarding cultural heritage—but it faces an imminent threat from deep-sea mining. RISE UP is calling for a global moratorium to stop mining before it begins, pushing governments to protect fragile ecosystems, uphold community rights, and defend one of our planet’s last untouched frontiers. By joining campaigns like Defend the Deep, RISE UP is mobilising global action to safeguard the deep ocean for future generations.

The ocean is our planet’s greatest climate ally, absorbing most excess heat and a quarter of CO₂ emissions, yet it is under severe threat from warming, acidification, deoxygenation, and sea-level rise. RISE UP is prioritising ocean-based climate solutions and community resilience, ensuring frontline voices, Indigenous knowledge, and just financing are central to global climate action. Through the Ocean and Climate Nexus Cluster, RISE UP is amplifying grassroots leadership, scales local solutions; driving policy change to safeguard the ocean and communities for future generations.